Is home maintenance in your new year checklist? With the rising high rate of home burglary across the country, it is imperative that you keep your home security system updated. You can replace your existing alarm system or change outdated equipment. Either way, you must ensure that your family and valued properties are protected against burglars, fires, and other hazards.
Know when to install a new security system or to have certain components replaced. Take note of these signs when doing an annual home security check.
Hardwired to wireless
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Older versions of home security systems are typically hardwired. A hardwired system is one that connects the alarm keypad, sensors, detectors, and other devices through physical wires. The wiring is installed behind walls, ceilings, and floors.
Hardwired systems are vulnerable to security breaches. An intruder can simply cut off a wire to disable the entire home security system. This risk is reduced by using the proper end-of-line resistors of course. Some wiring can, though, become compromised with age such as having breaks or bends in the wiring that may affect performance.
You need to update your home security system if you are still using plain hardwired system. For contacts that are hardwired, but have damaged wiring you can shift to a wireless system, which controls security devices via wireless connection. It adds a layer of protection to your existing hardwired system. Do you need to install an entirely new system? No. All alarm systems from the Alarm System Store are capable of going wireless even if these are hardwired by default.
Low-resolution camera to a high-powered device
Are the images from your security camera barely recognizable? It is time to update your devices. An outdated camera that feeds blurred images is as good as not having one installed.
Shift from your analog or 720p security camera to a 1080p Honeywell device. The Honeywell IPCAM-WIC 1080p Wi-Fi Total Connect Security Camera offers a diagonal field of view of 138° and a horizontal field of view of 110°. It has digital zoom capability, motion detection with four zones, and night vision. For extra protection, this top-rated camera features 256-bit AES encryption that ensures no one can intercept the signal. Connect this device to your wireless security system, and with Honeywell's Total Connect Video Service.
Onsite to offsite monitoring
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If your alarm security system can only be assessed onsite, you need better home protection. Remember that criminals are getting smarter and well-equipped with the availability of advanced technology. Install offsite monitoring capability for your home security system. This innovation will allow you to receive alerts on your smartphone, tablet or laptop remotely. You can also view live feeds from your camera via a web browser or smart phone with many systems now.
The Alarm.com Wi-Fi Doorbell Camera – Skybell HD includes a two-way audio-video that allows you to remotely speak to people at your front door through a mobile device. This top-of-the-line camera enables you to look at video on-demand with a live peek-in or recorded clips anytime.
Onsite to remote alarm monitoring
Do you still solely depend on your neighbors to alert authorities during emergencies when you are not around? Then you need to update your home security system with an alarm monitoring service. This security innovation ensures 24/7 protection by linking your alarm system to an off-site central hub. When an intrusion, fire or any threat is detected, the alarm system sends a signal to you and to a team in a monitoring center. Once the threat is confirmed, the center alerts the appropriate authorities.
The UL alarm monitoring service ensures your peace of mind wherever you may be. For a minimal monthly rate, billed annually, your home is monitored by a central hub at all times. It covers all alarm signal types including intrusions, fire, medical, and environmental signals.
Manual to automatic software/firmware updates
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Similar with any system run by a program, your security system software must be updated as often as necessary. It is time to change your home security if it does not provide for automatic software or firmware upgrades. Doing manual updates can be troublesome and expensive. Automatic updates apply patches to the system to fix bugs right away, making sure that your security system is always protected against vulnerabilities.
All DSC alarm systems sold in the Alarm System Store include the latest firmware versions. Many newer platforms such as the new Qolsys IQ 2 Plus line can receive updates via ip or over the air connections.
Transition to home automation
Home automation is the future of home security. It is boosts security, saves energy, and increases your level of comfort and convenience. Home automation literally puts the control of your security system and appliances into your hands. It links your devices to a central system that you can access from a remote point such as a smartphone app. You can turn on the lights on your porch when you are away ward off intruders or adjust the thermostat as you prepare to head on home.
2019 is the time to upgrade to home automation. The Honeywell Total Connect Home Automation allows you to set indoor temperature, unlock doors, and control blinds, lighting and other Z-Wave devices remotely.
You do not need to change your entire system right away. You can update devices one at a time. The Alarm.com ADC-T2000 Smart Thermostat can replace any type of thermostat. By linking it to the Alarm.com Residential Interactive, this smart device can automatically adjust indoor temperature based on various triggers such as time and events.
Homes without security systems are three times more likely to be attacked than those with an installed system. Welcome the new year well-equipped by shifting to wireless home security systems, changing analog cameras with higher resolution cameras, and installing remote monitoring. It is also time for you to sign up for an alarm monitoring system to make sure your home is protected 24/7. End 2018 by replacing your security system with one that includes automatic updates to arm your system against vulnerabilities. Finally, consider automating your home. It adds a layer of protection and helps reduce energy consumption. It also enhances comfort and convenience in your home.
Upgrade your home security system. Start with a security check today!
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